Kiwi independent drama from debut director Michael Bennett (TV's Outrageous Fortune).
It’s the Maori New Year, Matariki – a time for new beginnings – when the lives of eight people are affected by one random act of violence. Aleki, a master car thief, crosses paths with rebellious teenage girl, Spit. Rugby league star Tama saves the life of desperate Gunge – an act of heroism that brings tragedy to his own family. Rick, Tama’s brother, learns to stand up for himself and Megan, Tama’s wife, comes to accept the love that surrounds her; while Lisa, pregnant and wishing on angels, finds a real angel in Tyrone, a big-hearted man who sells Matariki icons in the weekend markets.
The steady stream of quality New Zealand films in 2010 continues unabated with this most recent effort. The title is a reference to the Maori New Year, signalling the film’s central concern with rebirth and new beginnings while simultaneously commenting on the difficulties of modern multicultural society.
Making up the plot are multiple storyline strands that intersect at key points. The way they are handled gives the story a sense of place and community, heightened by imagery easily identifiable for New Zealand audiences. This allows for effective comparisons and contrasts between the experiences of characters that come to have more in common than it would initially seem. Keeping in this spirit, the visual style of the film is reasonably basic and allows the solid ensemble cast (many of whom you’ll recognise from local TV) to do their thing. There are moments of genuine aesthetic flair, however, most notably a time-lapse transition from the night sky to the Otara markets.
It is the final sequence that is the film’s crowning achievement. The social commentary and cheeky humour dissipate as all the subplots collide, each heightening the emotional gravitas of the others, paying off the careful narrative structuring that has come before. It’ll have you leaving the cinema satisfied and caps off a great year for New Zealand film.
By Andreas Heinemann, Flicks.co.nz
ive fallin love with Jason Wu,becouse he remaids me of the boys of were i come from
It is most educational and most significance movie in the world.I support NZ local movie!!
A fabulous kiwi film, that sadly is not getting the audiences it deserves ... sadly, most New Zealanders rather watch mindless, spiritless American crap than go and see a beautiful flick like MATARIKI. That's nothing new but it seems to be getting worse ... come on NZ sort yourself out !
Just caught this, pleasant film, well made, with some nice local performances. Bennett has talent as a director, however the serious lack of box-office means it may be a very long time before he ever gets another chance. Hopefully it finds an audience on DVD.
Everything about this movie is superb - concept, stories, script, performances - a wonderful affirmation of life and love with all the complexities and subtleties - sadly too rare today.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 18th Nov 2010.
Release date: November 18th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
